Fluoroless catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias

Abstract

Catheter ablation is the mainstay of cardiac arrhythmia management, and the number of these procedures carried out is continuing to grow. Fluoroscopy has been integral to these procedures to ensure safe catheter manipulation. Unfortunately, exposure to ionizing radiation is associated with several health risks to patients and personnel. The personal protective equipment used to reduce these risks is associated with incomplete protection and orthopedic risks to physicians and other staff. 3D mapping systems and intracardiac echocardiography, if used properly, can significantly reduce the use of fluoroscopy. The study describes a zero-fluoroscopy approach to cardiac ablation of AF and other arrhythmias using 3D mapping and intracardiac echocardiography to reduce or eliminate exposure to ionizing radiation and orthopedic risks to personnel.